1 April 2022
A year has passed since my butterfly left me. It has not been difficult coming to terms with its departure. Adapting to life without it has not been onerous either. Initially, I did tire easily but as my doctor regularly monitors and adjusts the dosage of my Levothyroxine, the fatigue has not been been plaguing me much.
After the Hospital Ipoh Surgical Department discharged me, I sought treatment at the Kampung Simee health clinic. I was there for two follow-ups before Yee Yan, my physician, learned about that. He then "adopted" me and is now taking charge of my endocrine problem as well.
Although I have not noticed other symptoms of hypothyroidism like weight gain, being sensitive to cold, constipation, depression, dry scaly skin, brittle hair and nails, there has been a spike in my cholesterol levels. According to Yee Yan, this is a side effect of an underactive thyroid. So before he starts me on a cholesterol-lowering drug, he attempts to control my hypothyroidism by increasing the dosage of my Levothyroxine. Dr. Chan had discharged me from Hospital Ipoh with 100 mcg. Dr. Asha of Kampung Simee health clinic increased it to 100 mcg on weekdays and 150 mcg on weekends. Dr. Ananth of Kampung Simee health clinic noted some improvement in my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) so he continued with the same dosage. Yee Yan, however, was not happy with the management. He then increased my dosage to 125 mcg daily. In February this year, he decided to try lowering my TSH further by increasing the dosage of my Levothyroxine to 150 mcg daily.
A big thank you to him for valiantly trying to bring my TSH levels to heel. An even bigger word of thanks to all the people, namely my beloved mother, darling hubby and dear friends, who have been pillars of support these past 12 months. As I come to terms with this ailment called hypothyroidism, another health condition has been thrust upon me recently. The discovery of multiple fibroids, one of which was really massive and another was slightly suspicious, led to a total hysterectomy. This has then threw me into sudden menopausal so my gynaecologist decided to start me on Premarin, a hormone replacement therapy. I suspect this is going to upset my cholesterol levels further. Oh well, I shall meet this head on and accept it as part of life's trials.
My battle scar, one year later 
In the company of good friends (3 March 2022)
